When a loved one has hearing loss, it can lead to social isolation and loneliness as it creates a barrier to communication with others. This can lead to depression, and cause pain in the extended family as your loved one retreats from interaction, due to being embarrassed or ashamed. While encouraging your loved one to meet with a doctor or audiologist to be evaluated and possibly fitted with a hearing aid is a good first step, there are other things to keep in mind to ensure effective and meaningful communication.
A common refrain heard from older adults with a smoking habit is statements along the lines of “I’ve smoked a pack a day for forty years, what’s the point in quitting now?” But the fact of the matter is that it’s always the best time to quit smoking. No matter how many packs or how many years you’ve smoked in the past, quitting smoking now will greatly improve your health. Quitting is likely to add years to your life, improve your breathing and energy levels, not to mention save you money.
Any older person can unfortunately be the target of elder abuse. It can happen at the hands of a loved one, a caregiver, or a stranger, in their own home or in a care facility. Recognizing the signs is important, as frequently the victims of elder abuse are unable to advocate for themselves, whether due to a diminished capacity or social isolation.
We like to think of our homes as safe havens, places to rest and relax and enjoy comfortable, private sanctuary from the world. But as we age, and our capabilities become more limited, the potential of the home to become a dangerous place full of hazards and potential harm and injury increases.
As we get older, everyone’s vision changes. Once sharp eyes might have trouble focusing, making out details, or distinguishing objects at night the way they used to. But these changes don’t have to drastically change your lifestyle. By knowing what to expect and what you can do about it, you can keep your vision safe.